Pope Leo XIV Shares Meal with Over 1,300 Vulnerable People on World Day of the Poor
In a moving gesture of solidarity, Pope Leo XIV joined more than 1,300 people facing poverty and marginalization for a shared meal inside the Vatican’s Paul VI Hall on Sunday, marking the Church’s annual World Day of the Poor.
The hall was transformed into an enormous dining space, where guests were served a warm meal of lasagna, breaded chicken and potatoes, followed by Italy’s beloved dessert, babà. The event was organized by the Congregation of the Mission, in celebration of the 400th anniversary of the Vincentian charism, with hundreds of volunteers ensuring a dignified and welcoming environment.
For this special occasion, the Vatican made sure to use proper tableware—real plates, cutlery, and cloth linens—instead of disposable materials, reinforcing the theme of respect for dignity. Among the invited guests were about 50 transgender individuals from Torvaianica, accompanied by their parish priest, Father Andrea Conocchia, continuing Pope Leo’s outreach to marginalized communities.
After the meal, Pope Leo XIV thanked the Vincentian family for their ongoing work with the poor, saying: “This lunch is a gift of Providence and the generosity of the Vincentian Community, and we are deeply grateful.”
Reflecting on the event’s roots, he added: “We celebrate today the World Day of the Poor, a day instituted by my beloved predecessor Pope Francis, with joy and fraternity.”
The Holy Father also expressed his gratitude for the countless ministers and volunteers serving those in need, and before the meal, he led a prayer for peace and solidarity, remembering those suffering from war, hunger, and violence around the world.
To enrich the celebration, a youth orchestra from Naples’ Rione Sanità neighborhood performed traditional and classical music. At the conclusion, every guest received a “St. Vincent’s Backpack” filled with food and hygiene items—a gesture of ongoing accompaniment from the Vincentian Family of Italy.
Credit: EWTN
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